A U.S. passport for a child under 16 requires an in-person Form DS-11 application, proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of the parent-child relationship, parental identification and consent. This guide explains the documents, fees, validity and special cases parents should know.
Parents applying for a U.S. passport for a child under 16 must follow a different process from adult applicants. The child must appear in person, and the application requires proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of the parent-child relationship, parental identification and consent.
Child Passport Documents and Form DS-11
A child under 16 must apply using Form DS-11. Parents should not sign the application until instructed by the passport acceptance agent.
Parents should prepare all required child passport documents before visiting the acceptance facility.
Primary citizenship evidence can include a qualifying U.S. birth certificate, a full-validity undamaged U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. Applicants must also provide a photocopy of their citizenship evidence.
Parents who are unsure which records qualify can review the accepted proof of U.S. citizenship for a child before the passport appointment.
Parents must establish their legal relationship to the child. Depending on the case, acceptable records may include a birth certificate, adoption decree or qualifying custody documents.
Parental Consent and Identification
Both parents or legal guardians generally must approve passport issuance for a child under 16 and appear with the child while presenting government-issued photo identification.
Families should review the additional requirements when one parent cannot attend the child’s passport appointment.
If one parent cannot attend, the non-applying parent may provide Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of the identification used when the form was notarized. The consent is valid for 90 days from the date it is signed by the passport authorizing officer or notary. Different documentation can apply when one parent has sole legal authority.
Child Passport Fees and Validity
As of September 2026, a passport book for a child under 16 carries a $100 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee. A passport card costs $15 plus the $35 acceptance fee, while a passport book and card together cost $115 plus the acceptance fee.
Parents can also review how to renew a child’s U.S. passport when the current passport expires.
Different requirements apply once the applicant reaches age 16, including specific U.S. passport rules for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for five years. They cannot be renewed through the standard passport renewal process, meaning the child must apply again in person when a new passport is needed.
Special Citizenship and Family Situations
Children born outside the United States may need additional citizenship evidence, including records connected to a U.S. citizen parent. Adoption, guardianship and custody cases can also require additional documentation.
Families should review the latest State Department requirements before applying, particularly before international travel, because passport fees, forms and procedures can change.
